Shiva’s Wedding in Srikhetra

Shiva’s Wedding in Srikhetra

Today is the auspicious Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi (the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Jyeshtha month). In Srikhetra, the wedding rituals of the Panchamahadeva (the five great Lords: Sri Yameshwara, Sri Lokanatha, Sri Markandeshwara, Sri Kapalamochana, and Sri Nilakantha) are performed with great pomp and grandeur.

On the day before the wedding, the Panchamahadeva, having brought their respective Parvatis from their respective fathers-in-law’s houses, proceed to their respective temples. This is known as the ‘Kanya Chori’ (bride abduction/stealing) ritual.

The next day, i.e., today (Jyeshtha Shukla Panchami), the temple doors of the Pancha Mahadevas are opened, and rituals like Mangala Alati (auspicious lamp offering), Mailama (change of attire/adornments), Mahasnana (grand bath), etc., are performed, followed by Chandanalagi (application of sandalwood paste).

After this, Ballabha Bhoga (a specific food offering) is offered. Then, after the Sakala Dhupa (morning meal/incense offering) ritual is completed, the ‘Vivaha Handi’ (wedding pot for cooking special ceremonial food) is placed in the kitchen (Rosha Ghara).

Following this, Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Parvati undergo ‘Majana’ (ritual bathing) and are adorned (‘Besha’), after which they proceed to the ‘Vivaha Mandapa’ (wedding pavilion). For the ‘Prathama Barana’ (first ceremonial welcome of the groom), Lord Mahadeva wears white attire, and Maa Parvati wears yellow attire.

After the Prathama Barana ceremony is completed, both Lord Mahadeva and Maa Parvati take a bath. After bathing, they adorn themselves in ‘Pata’ (silk garments). Following this, the ‘Dwitiya Barana’ (second ceremonial welcome) ritual commences. In this ceremony, both tie the ‘Ashadha Sutra’ (sacred wedding thread). This is followed by ‘Gainthala’ (the ritualistic tying of the nuptial knot between the couple’s garments).

Then, after ‘Prasada Lagi’ (offering of consecrated food), the ‘Hata Ganthi’ (tying of hands) takes place, followed by the ‘Vivaha Homa’ (wedding fire sacrifice). Upon its completion, Bhoga (food offerings) and Pana (sweet drink) are offered with ‘Panchaupachara’ (five-fold worship), and the ‘Bandapana’ (reverential worship/greeting) ritual is concluded.

Afterwards, the servitors (Sevakas) escort the divine couple (Deva Dampati) to pay respects to the Vrushabha (sacred bull, Nandi) in the Jagamohana (assembly hall), and then escort them into the Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum).

In this manner, the Shiva Vivaha (wedding of Lord Shiva) rituals are concluded.

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